The 2025 Top 25 Historic Hotels Worldwide® Holiday Traditions and Spectacular Displays List Is Announced

Washington, D.C. — December 15, 2025 — Historic Hotels Worldwide® represents more than 320 of the finest and most distinctive historic hotels in more than 44 countries. In December and January, these historic hotels, inns, and chateaus are illuminated according to local customs for the holiday season, creating beautiful spaces for guests to celebrate festive holidays and observances.

The historic hotels featured in The 2025 Top 25 Historic Hotels Worldwide Holiday Traditions and Spectacular Displays list host extraordinary parties, cultural performances, religious services, charitable initiatives, and Afternoon Teas. Guests encounter dazzling trees, light exhibitions, gingerbread houses, and greenery, while many historic hotels incorporate giving back to their communities through food drives, donations, and gift collections for children and families. Other historic hotels highlight local traditions, from festive markets and concerts to centuries‑old rituals that connect guests directly to the culture of their destination. Together, these celebrations showcase the diversity of holiday customs across the globe, offering travelers unforgettable experiences rooted in history, community, and joy.

Wherever you are as 2025 ends, Historic Hotels Worldwide wishes travelers and explorers a season filled with light, laughter, and traditions both historic and new.

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Nestled between two historic canals in the heart of Amsterdam, Netherlands, Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam transforms into a world of festive elegance each holiday season. Guests can look forward to sparkling décor, enchanting experiences, and exceptional dining throughout December. The Grand’s iconic Festive Brunch on Christmas Day features live music, dazzling decorations, and seasonal treats. Restaurant Bridges and Oriole Garden Bistro both serve refined holiday menus, offering flavors that range from classic French to Mediterranean cuisine. Guests can also indulge in the Floral Afternoon Tea or join the Advents Kranz (Advent wreath) workshop, while the Sofitel SPA provides seasonal wellness treatments in a serene and intimate setting. Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2018 and dates to 1578.

Hotel Claude Marbella (1650)
Marbella, Spain

Located in the luxurious resort city of Marbella, Spain, Hotel Claude Marbella occupies the former summer residence of Eugénie de Montijo, Empress of France and wife of Napoleon III. The 17th-century manor house has been fully converted to provide all of the modern comforts that guests require. Guests that stay at Hotel Claude Marbella on January 5, 2026 are perfectly situated to observe the eve of Día de los Reyes (Three Kings Day) holiday celebrations taking place that afternoon and evening. Observed and celebrated across Spain, Three Kings Day honors the day when the Three Wise Men arrived in Bethlehem to honor baby Jesus. Celebrants observe the day through gift-giving, parades, and providing sweets for children. The modern celebrations of an ancient observance can be traced back to Alcoy in the province of Alicante in 1866, where the first formally organized Three Kings Day parade took place. In Marbella today, the festivities begin around midday, when the city’s mayor welcomes the Three Kings as they step off a boat at Puerto Deportivo. In the evening, there is a carnival-like processional in the Old Town neighborhood along Avenida Ricardo Soriano. Roads are closed on January 5 in Marbella, so guests should plan accordingly. The hotel is about a 20-minute walk from Puerto Deportivo, where guests can wait for the Three Kings to arrive. Avenida Ricardo Soriano is half the distance, only a 10-minute walk from the hotel to the parade route. Hotel Claude Marbella provides a beautiful holiday display for its guests. The historic hotel is decorated with beautiful fairy lights and a Christmas tree, with holiday music playing throughout the holiday season. Hotel Claude Marbella was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2022 and dates to 1650.

Hotel Convent de la Missió (17th century)
Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain

Hotel Convent de la Missió in the Balearic Islands off the coast of Spain offers guests a refined and festive way to welcome the new year, beginning with a beautifully decorated Christmas tree adorned with golden lights that creates a warm and memorable atmosphere. On New Year’s Day, guests are treated to a celebratory cocktail and twelve grapes, directly connecting guests to one of Spain’s most cherished customs, while the hotel’s central location allows visitors to join the lively countdown in Plaça de Cort, where locals gather to enjoy music, fireworks, and toasts of cava or champagne. This tradition, known as “the twelve grapes of luck,” dates back to 1909 after a surplus grape harvest in Alicante, and has since become a national ritual, with people across Spain eating one grape with each of the twelve chimes of the clock to wish for happiness, health, and prosperity in the year ahead. At Hotel Convent de la Missió, guests experience both the elegance of the historic hotel and the authenticity of Spanish culture, making it a destination where heritage and hospitality come together to create unforgettable holiday memories. Hotel Convent de la Missió was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2025 and dates to the 17th century.

Hotel Maximilian’s (1722)
Augsburg, Germany

At Hotel Maximilian’s in Augsburg, Germany, the holiday season is celebrated through a tradition of generosity and community that began in 2016 and marks its 10th anniversary in 2025. Each year, children and young people from the Frère Roger Children’s Center and the KJF Child and Youth Welfare Center decorate the lobby’s Christmas tree with their wish lists, supported by the hotel’s General Manager and staff. Guests and visitors are then invited to select a card from the tree and to fulfill that child’s wish list, delivering gifts directly to the hotel and creating memorable moments for the young participants. The initiative reflects the hotel’s deep commitment to Augsburg’s festive traditions and its local community, while the historic hotel sparkles with wreaths on the façade, a large, illuminated reindeer at the entrance, and the wish‑list tree in the lobby. Together, these elements embody the spirit of giving and celebration, making Hotel Maximilian’s a destination where holiday memories are shared, not only among guests, but also with the children whose wishes come true each year. Hotel Maximilian’s was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2019 and dates to 1722.

Heritage Avenida Liberdade (18th century)
Lisbon, Portugal

The holiday season at Heritage Avenida Liberdade is all about warmth, tradition, and sweet indulgence. Guests arriving in Lisbon, Portugal, are welcomed with a festive gesture: a steaming cup of tea paired with a slice of Bolo Rei, Portugal’s beloved Christmas cake crowned with candied fruit and nuts, symbolizing prosperity and joy. This treat, served in the hotel’s lobby bar lounge, directly connects visitors to one of the country’s most cherished holiday customs, enjoyed across Portugal from Christmas through Epiphany. A nativity scene adds to the seasonal charm, while the dazzling lights and decorations of Lisbon’s historic city center are just steps away, making Heritage Avenida Liberdade a cozy retreat where guests can savor the flavors and spirit of a Portuguese Christmas. Heritage Avenida Liberdade was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2022 and dates to the 18th century.

Engø Gård (1845)
Tjøme, Norway

At Engø Gård in Tjøme, Norway, the holiday season is defined by warmth, tradition, and music, as guests are welcomed into an authentic Norwegian Christmas setting where torches and an outdoor fire pit create a cozy glow, and festive decorations bring the historic hotel to life. Seasonal touches such as mulled wine (gløgg) and delicacies inspired by local traditions set the stage for memorable celebrations, with a highlight on December 7, when guests enjoyed an intimate Christmas concert with Tjøme Storband paired with Afternoon Tea, a cherished tradition that blends the elegance of Engø Gård’s culinary heritage with the joy of live music. Throughout the holidays, the historic hotel is beautifully adorned, both indoors and outdoors, with Christmas trees, sparkling lights, and seasonal displays that reflect both the natural beauty of Tjøme and the historic charm of the estate, creating a festive atmosphere that embodies the spirit of Norwegian Christmas and draws guests back year after year. Engø Gård was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2011 and dates to 1845.

Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern (1845)
Lucerne, Switzerland

Owned and operated by the same family since the 19th century, Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern is one of Lucerne, Switzerland’s most cherished holiday destinations. The hotel stands proudly in Lucerne’s Old Town (Altstadt) along Lake Lucerne, just steps from cultural treasures such as the Chapel Bridge, Glacier Garden, Lion Monument, and the Lucerne Culture and Congress Centre. During December, guests can stroll across the Reuss River via the iconic covered Chapel Bridge to reach the Lucerne Christmas Market in Franziskanerplatz, held beside the medieval Franciscan Church of St. Maria zu Franziskanern from December 4 through December 21, 2025, where around 70 vendors offer handmade goods, festive foods, and mulled wine, as well as special performances ranging from yodeling to brass bands. Back at the hotel, guests can savor refined dining at Brasserie VICO or enjoy a seasonal cocktail at Schweizerhof Bar, all while surrounded by festive décor that enhances the historic hotel’s rich heritage. Hotel Schweizerholf Luzern was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2011 and dates to 1845.

Flemings Mayfair (1851)
London, England

Flemings Mayfair, one of London, England’s oldest family‑owned hotels, embraces the holiday season with a Nutcracker theme that fills its Georgian townhouses with festive elegance. Nutcracker soldiers adorn the Christmas tree and façade, while decorated doors and warm seasonal lighting inspired by Old Mayfair create a magical atmosphere that recalls the charm of a winter performance at the Royal Opera House. Chosen for its ties to London’s theater and ballet heritage, and its celebration of craftsmanship and design, the Nutcracker motif reflects the character and history of the historic hotel. Flemings Mayfair offers guests a holiday experience that blends heritage, artistry, and timeless festive enchantment. Flemings Mayfair was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2024 and dates to 1851.

Grand Hotel Huis ter Duin (1885)
Noordwijk aan Zee, Netherlands

Located midway between Amsterdam and The Hague, Grand Hotel Huis ter Duin is a historic seaside retreat that has offered breathtaking views of the North Sea for more than a century. Since 2009, the hotel has marked the December holidays with a massive Christmas tree in its garden, illuminated during a spectacular tree‑lighting ceremony at the start of the month. Each year, a Christmas Tree Ambassador is secretly selected and revealed by the hotel’s Managing Director during the event, before stepping forward to share seasonal wishes and press the red button that lights the tree amid a dazzling music and light show. Ambassadors are chosen from diverse backgrounds in sports, politics, culture, and business, with this year’s honor given to Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands and former Secretary General of NATO. Guests, staff, and their families gather for the ceremony, and throughout the holidays, the towering tree remains a favorite backdrop for portraits and festive photos until early January. Grand Hotel Huis ter Duin continues to embody Dutch tradition and holiday spirit along the Noordwijk coast. Grand Hotel Huis ter Duin was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2011 and dates to 1885.

Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, A Fairmont Managed Hotel (1885)
Hamilton, Bermuda

In the heart of Hamilton, Bermuda, Hamilton Princess & Beach Club – A Fairmont Managed Hotel, has welcomed guests since 1885, its pink façade earning it the nickname of the Pink Palace. Built in honor of Princess Louise after her 1883 visit, the hotel has long been a place where history and celebration meet. Each December, the Pink Palace transforms into a holiday wonderland: towering Christmas trees and whimsical gingerbread displays brighten the lobby, while the courtyard glimmers with the Tunnel of Lights, a favorite backdrop for festive photos. This year, children are treated to a gingerbread house designed just for them, complete with a Bermudian‑style porch, and the community gathers for the inaugural Christmas Wish Breakfast and Gift Drive, donating toys for local children while enjoying a joyful morning of music, Santa, and holiday cheer. And on Boxing Day, a tradition unique to Bermuda takes center stage, as masked Gombey dancers fill the hotel with rhythm and color, a performance that has been part of the hotel’s holiday heritage since the 1970s. Inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2018, Hamilton Princess & Beach Club – A Fairmont Managed Hotel continues to weave together history, culture, and festive magic, offering guests a holiday season unlike any other.

The Savoy London (1889)
London, England

This year, The Savoy London in London, England, celebrates the legendary Frost Fairs on the River Thames, when between 1607 and 1814 the river froze solid during the Little Ice Age and transformed into a carnival of winter delights. Londoners flocked to the ice to go ice skating, sledding, and wander among stalls selling food, drink, and printed souvenirs, while fires burned in tents to keep vendors warm, creating a spectacle of resilience and joy that was one of the city’s most magical traditions. One of the most famous Frost Fairs took place in the winter of 1683–1684, when King Charles II himself joined the festivities, feasting on a spit‑roasted ox and mingling with crowds on the frozen Thames. The Savoy London reimagines this extraordinary chapter of history with wintry colors, gleaming silver details, and festive displays that echo the spirit of those frozen carnivals, inviting guests to explore the Christmas Boutique with a glass of Laurent‑Perrier Héritage Brut champagne and discover festive treasures, before savoring the new Twilight Tea, a seasonal twist on the hotel’s renowned Afternoon Tea featuring sandwiches, savory bites, and award‑winning Scoff scones, all set within a holiday wonderland where centuries‑old London history meets timeless elegance. The Savoy London was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2011 and dates to 1889.

Fairmont Le Château Frontenac (1893)
Québec City, Québec, Canada

Rich in heritage and overlooking the majestic St. Lawrence River, Fairmont Le Château Frontenac in Québec City celebrates the holiday season with its beloved Trees of Hope tradition. Now in its 12th edition, this grand tree‑decorating event brings together partners and guests to raise funds for the CHU de Québec Foundation in support of the Dr. Clown Foundation, which brings joy to young patients at Centre Mère-Enfant Soleil. Since its inception, the initiative has donated more than $226,000, with this year’s event alone raising $31,000. Guests and visitors are invited to vote for their favorite tree and contribute with a donation, while the beautifully decorated trees can be admired from the Dufferin Terrace through large bay windows reminiscent of classic holiday displays. Hotel guests also enjoy exclusive access to view the trees inside the Haldimand Room, adding to the festive atmosphere of one of the world’s most recognized hotels. Fairmont Le Château Frontenac was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2012 and dates to 1893.

Mystery Hotel Budapest (1898)
Budapest, Hungary

Built by the Hungarian Freemasons as the Symbolic Grand Lodge of Hungary, today, Mystery Hotel Budapest in Budapest, Hungary, offers an enchanting holiday experience in the city’s Terézváros district. Each winter, the hotel transforms into a fairytale setting, with interiors adorned with sparkling lights, greenery, and Christmas trees from November through early January. Guests can enjoy mulled wine, seasonal treats, and festive dishes paired with Hungarian wines, while The Great Hall Restaurant & Lounge serves an international holiday menu with themed cocktails, and hosts an exclusive festive buffet dinner on December 24 and 25, 2025. A life‑size nutcracker statue, beloved by guests and staff alike, adds a whimsical touch to the décor, while the hotel’s embrace of both international Advent traditions and Hungarian customs creates a warm and memorable atmosphere. Mystery Hotel Budapest continues to captivate visitors with its unique blend of history, heritage, and timeless holiday celebrations. Mystery Hotel Budapest was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2021 and dates to 1896.

Sofitel Munich Bayerpost (1896)
Munich, Germany

Once the Royal Bavarian Post Office, Sofitel Munich Bayerpost in Munich, Germany, now welcomes guests to celebrate the holidays in the heart of the city with a festive flair. During Advent, the hotel’s ISArBAR terrace transforms into a cozy Christmas Market, where visitors can sip champagne or mulled wine and savor seasonal treats amid twinkling lights and cheerful décor. Executive Chef Andreas Donnerbauer and his team craft culinary delights that range from elegant buffets at Schwarz & Weiz, to refined dinners at DÉLICE La Brasserie, ensuring that every gathering is filled with flavor and joy. The market runs daily from November 28, 2025, to January 5, 2026, offering guests and locals a warm and inviting atmosphere to share festive moments with family and friends. Sofitel Munich Bayerpost continues to blend avant‑garde design with Bavarian heritage, making it a destination where holiday traditions shine as brightly as the city’s Christmas lights. Inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2018 Sofitel Munich Bayerpost dates to 1896.

Hotel Moskva (1908)
Belgrade, Serbia

One of Belgrade, Serbia’s most iconic landmarks, Hotel Moskva has been a centerpiece of the city’s holiday traditions for more than a century, transforming each December with sparkling lights, evergreen trees, floral arrangements, and a grand Christmas tree in the lobby that has become a favorite backdrop for festive photos. The highlight of the season is the renowned New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner, a grand celebration of exquisite cuisine, live music, and timeless elegance that remains one of the city’s most anticipated events, followed the next afternoon by the beloved New Year’s Brunch, where guests enjoy gourmet dishes and piano music in a joyful setting. Guests also gather at Café Moskva, the hotel’s historic meeting place, to savor the famous Moskva Schnitt cake, a seasonal favorite enjoyed by locals and travelers alike for generations. While New Year’s Eve is Serbia’s main winter celebration, Christmas is traditionally marked with a symbolic oak branch representing heritage and renewal, a custom that complements the festive spirit at Hotel Moskva, where these traditions together embody the essence of Belgrade’s holidays: community, hope, and timeless beauty. Hotel Moskva was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2016 and dates to 1908.

The Waldorf Hilton, London (1908)
London, England

In the heart of London’s West End, The Waldorf Hilton, London transforms into a winter wonderland, where festive charm meets Edwardian-era glamour. Guests are welcomed by elegant decorations and a sparkling Christmas tree in the lobby before settling into the Homage restaurant for the hotel’s signature Elf Afternoon Tea, in collaboration with Elf The Musical, inspired by the popular film. This playful twist on a quintessential British tradition features holiday‑inspired pastries, spiced delights, and classic scones served with fine teas or champagne, all in a setting adorned with seasonal décor. Adding to the merriment, the bar offers the Minty Mischief cocktail, a sparkling creation that captures the spirit of the season. Since opening in 1908, The Waldorf Hilton, London has been known for hosting elegant winter gatherings and seasonal dances in its iconic Palm Court, and today, its festive Afternoon Tea continues that legacy, blending timeless heritage with contemporary London flair. The Waldorf Hilton, London remains a destination where heritage, culinary creativity, and holiday magic come together in true London style. The Waldorf Hilton, London was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2018 and dates to 1908.

Fairmont Château Laurier (1912)
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Ottawa’s iconic castle on the Rideau Canal embraces the holiday season with grandeur and community spirit. Each year, Fairmont Château Laurier hosts Trees of Hope, now in its 28th year, transforming the hotel into a dazzling wonderland of decorated Christmas trees raising money for the CHEO Foundation supporting the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario. Guests are invited to admire the displays from November 17, 2025, to January 6, 2026, and cast their vote for the People’s Choice Award, making this cherished fundraiser a celebration of creativity, generosity, and festive charm. New this season, the CN Rail Castle Express enchants visitors with a captivating model train display winding through the lobby, evoking the timeless spirit of travel and Christmases past. Families can also embark on the Yuletide Express Festive Tea, a train‑themed Afternoon Tea designed especially for children, complete with sparkling décor and a heartwarming visit from St. Nicholas. Fairmont Château Laurier inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2017 dates to 1912.

Villa Copenhagen (1912)
Copenhagen, Denmark

At Villa Copenhagen, in Copenhagen, Denmark, the holiday season is celebrated with luxury and festive imagination. This year’s decorations are crafted from repurposed boxes collected from the hotel’s daily deliveries, which were transformed into ornaments and displays that bring warmth and wonder throughout the historic hotel. In the Courtyard, guests can discover a miniature gingerbread Villa Copenhagen, hand‑built by Rug Bakery as a sweet nod to the building’s heritage as Copenhagen’s former Central Post Office. Inspired by the idea of a holiday postcard, the gingerbread creation reimagines what a winter letter from Villa Copenhagen might look like if it was baked instead of stamped. Across the hotel, from reception to the bakery to the cocktail bar, festive details made from materials that were given a second life reflect Villa Copenhagen’s ongoing commitment to sustainability while offering guests a holiday experience that is both magical and mindful. Adding to the spirit of giving, the hotel’s Lonely Christmas Tree invites guests and neighbors to place wrapped gifts beneath its branches, which are then donated in partnership with the Danish Red Cross to children who deserve a brighter Christmas. Villa Copenhagen was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2019 and dates to 1912.

The Fullerton Hotel Singapore (1924)
Singapore

At The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, the holiday season is steeped in tradition and grandeur, blending neoclassical opulence with festive charm. Since 2001, the captivating Hwa Chong Voices have filled the grand staircase with live caroling on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, while guests can also join the Fullerton Monument Tour to uncover the building’s storied past as the nation’s former General Post Office. Family-friendly Fullerton Experiences invite guests to participate in hands-on workshops with pastry chefs to craft Christmas treats, and the hotel participates annually in the Marina Bay Countdown celebrations with specially commissioned light projections, this year featuring artwork by artists with disabilities. Inside, the halls are decorated in red and green, with the hotel’s chandeliers and marble floors framing a striking centerpiece of poinsettias, a towering Christmas tree, and the hotel’s iconic red pillar post box paying homage to its postal heritage. Cheerful bear mascots Robby and Lizzy greet visitors in Santa attire, while a six-meter-tall tree adorned with more than 700 Fullerton Christmas Bears anchors the grand staircase. With garland-wrapped pillars and glittering ornaments throughout the hotel, The Fullerton Hotel Singapore was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2011 and dates to 1924.

Hotel New Grand (1927)
Yokohama, Japan

Celebrating the holiday season with the theme of “Brilliant Holiday,” Hotel New Grand, a designated historic monument in Yokohama, Japan, transforms into a dazzling winter escape. In the Main Building courtyard, the beloved Garden of Light returns with 15,000 sparkling illuminated lightbulbs, glowing arches, gift boxes, and the shimmering Aqua Bloom display, timed to complement the city’s Yorunoyo illumination events. Inside, the Tower Wing lobby features a Christmas tree inspired by a forest and cityscape, while festive décor throughout the property creates a fairytale atmosphere. Guests can indulge in special stay packages with decorated guestrooms, champagne, and cakes crafted by the hotel’s pastry chef, or enjoy seasonal dining menus and live Christmas shows. As the new year begins, traditional Kadomatsu arrangements and floral displays honor Japanese heritage, ensuring Hotel New Grand remains one of Japan’s most enchanting holiday destinations. Hotel New Grand was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2012 and dates to 1927.

Fairmont Royal York (1929)
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Since opening its doors in 1929, Fairmont Royal York has stood as Toronto’s grand holiday gathering place, where generations of families have come to celebrate the season. Each December, the hotel’s iconic Tree Lighting Ceremony fills the soaring lobby with twinkling lights and festive cheer Guests can enjoy Festive Afternoon Tea in CLOCKWORK Lobby Lounge. Guests are also invited to indulge in holiday dining at REIGN, including Festive Dinner offered on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, while Festive Brunches carry the celebrations into the new year. Beyond its walls, Fairmont Royal York joins Toronto’s large‑scale countdown festivities, ensuring its place at the heart of the city’s seasonal magic. Inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2017, Fairmont Royal York continues to weave together history, community, and timeless holiday traditions, offering a festive experience that is as enduring as the landmark historic hotel.

Fairmont Le Château Montebello (1930)
Montebello, Québec, Canada

In Montebello, Québec, Canada, along the Ottawa River, Fairmont Le Château Montebello rises as the grand cedar lodge that was built in 1930 from more than 10,000 red‑cedar logs, making it the largest log cabin in the world. Each December, the resort transforms into a festive wonderland, as the soaring lobby glows with twinkling lights, fragrant greenery, and a towering Christmas tree, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for guests of all ages. Outdoors, the grounds become a playground for winter adventure, offering ice skating on a picturesque ice rink, snowshoeing through snowy trails, cross‑country skiing through scenic woods, and curling, continuing traditions that have long defined the chateau. Another cherished custom dating back to the Seigniory Club in the 1930s is Santa Claus’s visit, when on Christmas Day he arrives to share gifts and holiday cheer with children staying at the resort. Inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2017, Fairmont Le Château Montebello remains a destination where heritage, festive traditions, and family celebrations come together to create a truly magical holiday experience.

Fairmont Hotel Vancouver (1939)
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Guests can step through the doors of the “Castle in the City” and into a holiday wonderland, where gingerbread walls rise like fortresses and cocktails sparkle like ornaments in Vancouver. Fairmont Hotel Vancouver sets the stage with towering Christmas trees, twinkling lights, and a magnificent life‑size gingerbread “castle” that transforms the lobby into a feast for the senses. As night falls, the celebration continues in Kringle’s, the hotel’s speakeasy‑style holiday pop‑up bar, where expert mixologists craft imaginative seasonal cocktails amid vintage décor and cozy corners inspired by the nostalgic charm of classic Christmas films. Back for another season, Kringle’s invites guests to indulge in festive fare and spirited creations while being immersed in a whimsical world of twinkling lights and jolly ambiance. Fairmont Hotel Vancouver was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2017 and dates to 1939.

El Fuerte Marbella (1954)
Marbella, Spain

At El Fuerte Marbella in Marbella, Spain, the holiday season begins with a cherished tradition that unites guests and the local community in warmth and celebration, as the annual Christmas lighting ceremony illuminates the pine trees at the hotel’s entrance in a dazzling display, while mulled wine, seasonal sweets, and a performance by the children’s choir from Monseñor Rodrigo Bocanegra Diocesan School create a festive atmosphere. Since its debut in 2017, this event has become a highlight of the holiday season, and a beloved gathering for all who attend, setting the tone for weeks of joy, as the hotel is beautifully adorned with Christmas trees, sparkling lights, and festive decorations throughout December. Together, the lighting ceremony and holiday décor embody the spirit of community, music, and timeless seasonal charm, making El Fuerte Marbella an unforgettable destination during the holidays. El Fuerte Marbella was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2025 and dates to 1954.

The Murray Hong Kong (1969)
Hong Kong, China

An iconic luxury landmark along Cotton Tree Drive in Hong Kong, China, The Murray Hong Kong celebrates the season with its Merry Murray Christmas program, offering festive dining menus, staycation packages, and wellness treatments. A highlight is the enchanting Santa’s Grotto, from December 6–26, 2025, where children can meet Santa and receive a complimentary instant photo in a keepsake frame. Adults can enjoy mulled wine and little ones can sip hot chocolate or juice. Enhanced this year through a collaboration with Penhaligon’s, a luxury British fragrance house, the grotto adds a sensory touch to the celebrations, ensuring that The Murray Hong Kong remains one of Hong Kong’s most magical holiday destinations. The Murray Hong Kong was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2019 and dates to 1969.

“Hospitality shines brighter around seasons of light, life, and hope. Historic hotels carry on time-honored, beloved traditions that offer authentic experiences for families and friends,” said Lawrence Horwitz, Executive Vice President, Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide. “Historic Hotels Worldwide members actively make local traditions part of the guest experience. Travelers seeking new experiences and wanting to discover new ways to celebrate shared beliefs in December and January can do no better than to book their next adventure through Historic Hotels Worldwide”

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